Where has Darla Montgomery been?

Longtime news anchor Gary Armold is leaving KLFY after 42 years in the business. The Daily Advertiser's Kris Wartelle asks him about his most memorable moments, and what's on his bucket list.
Caitlin Jacob

KLFY TV 10 viewers have been wondering for months where star newscaster Darla Montgomery has been.

Montgomery, an Opleousas native and broadcast icon, is the longtime anchor of the 5, 6, and 10 p.m. newscasts. She has been on leave since late October for undisclosed reasons.

On Tuesday, Montgomery announced she is returning to the news desk and posted a message to her fans and followers on her KLFY Facebook page.

"...Thank you for your kind sentiments over the past two months! I have missed my KLFY family," Montgomery wrote. "I was on a brief leave for rest."

Montgomery said she was fearful that her medical history, which included a ruptured brain aneurysm, might return and she wanted to take precautions.

Montgomery would not elaborate further except to say that she is feeling better and excited to return to her job.

"I am looking forward to doing what I love," Montgomery said. "I just needed a break and some rest. Acadiana has been so good to me, it’s my home, my extended family."

Chuck Huebner(Photo: File Photo)

Rumors swirled about the popular news personality amid several high profile departures at the company. In 2014, anchor Chuck Huebner was fired after long-running issues with the station.

Anchor Blue Rolfes, who had been with the station for more than 38 years, signed off in March of this year. She announced her retirement in January and has since moved on to a position with the Diocese of Lafayette.

Blue Rolfes former TV 10 ancor(Photo: KLFY TV 10)

Shortly after Rolfes' departure, in August, morning news anchor Julie Darce announced she was leaving after 18 years and also taking a position with the Lafayette Diocese.

Then, that same month, popular morning co-host Gary Arnold announced he was retiring after 42 years.

“I have met so many wonderful people in this business," Arnold told the Advertiser at the time. "Life always goes forward, rarely backwards, and now I'm looking forward to what the future holds.”

Fran McRae-Posey, vice president and KLFY general manager, which is owned by Nexstar, declined to elaborate on the reasons why so many long time personalities were leaving the station. She also would not comment on who might be taking those positions.

"Blue left before I came and the others decided to retire or move on to something different," McRae-Posey said. "But we all parted ways on great terms and we wish them much success."

Darla Montgomery, KLFY TV 10.(Photo: Jay Falgout)

McRae-Posey said she could not comment on the reasons for Mongomery's absence, but said the station would welcome the top broadcaster back on Tuesday night and was excited to have her in the anchor chair again.

"I can't speak to why Darla was off for the past two months, that comes from Darla," McRae -Posey added. "But we are very excited to have her back. She is a good community connection for the station and provides a lot of value for us and the viewers who watch our news."